site.btaBulgaria and Saudi Arabia Step Up Cooperation in Security, Internal Affairs

Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia are stepping up cooperation in security and internal affairs, the Bulgarian Interior Ministry said following a meeting between Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev and Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud.

The Saudi Minister is visiting Bulgaria at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart. The visit is the first of its kind by a Saudi official of such high rank and marks an important stage in the development of bilateral relations, the Bulgarian Interior Ministry noted here on Wednesday.

The two ministers discussed efforts to combat international drug trafficking and cross-border organized crime, and noted the positive results of cooperation between their respective agencies so far. They also identified scope for closer interaction within the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC), in which Saudi Arabia participates as an operational partner.

Other areas discussed included counterterrorism and cybercrime, combating money laundering and corruption, the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in police work, and expanding professional exchanges and specialized training, the Ministry said.

Demerdzhiev highlighted Bulgaria’s strategic importance as a country on the European Union’s external border and a key partner in tackling criminal networks linking Europe and the Middle East.

“Our common task is to turn political trust into practical cooperation that delivers tangible results for the security of citizens in both countries,” Demerdzhiev was quoted as saying.

He said the development of bilateral ties in security and internal affairs was part of Bulgaria’s broader effort to expand political and economic dialogue with Saudi Arabia. 

“We have the necessary political will and an established foundation of trust. Our next step is to build on what has been achieved through clear priorities, permanent channels of cooperation and concrete joint initiatives. Bulgaria is ready to be a reliable partner and a bridge to closer security cooperation between Europe and the Middle East,” the Bulgarian Minister said.

The Saudi Minister said that mutual trust had been established and that Bulgaria was a reliable partner in all areas of shared interest, including security and internal affairs.

The two ministers agreed that the level of trust achieved provided a basis for further developing bilateral relations in combating cross-border crime and terrorism, ensuring border security, training and upgrading the skills of police officers, and strengthening capacity to fight cybercrime, among other areas.

The Saudi Minister thanked his hosts for their hospitality and warm welcome. He also highlighted Bulgaria’s consistent support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of contemporary security threats. 

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud also met with Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova.